Residents near Charlcombe Valley are coming together to support an inspiring community-led project designed to restore a 16-acre site and create a vibrant wildlife sanctuary. Once grazing land, this diverse area of grassland, ancient hedgerows, woodland, and wetlands is undergoing a five-year ecological transformation.
The Charlcombe Community Nature Reserve is managed collaboratively by the Friends of Charlcombe Community Nature Reserve and Bath & North East Somerset (B&NES) Council. Recent ecological surveys have recorded an impressive variety of species, including 21 butterfly species, small mammals such as shrews and harvest mice, multiple amphibians like toads and frogs, and two native woodpecker species.
Mike Collins, chair of the Friends group, emphasizes the importance of community involvement: “This plan envisions a thriving future for local wildlife powered by people working together alongside neighbouring landowners.” He points to promising signs from recent efforts, noting a 33% increase in species-rich grassland indicators within just one year and a notable rise in waxcap fungi abundance this autumn, signaling healthy ecosystem recovery.
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The comprehensive five-year roadmap prioritizes four main objectives to nurture and protect the reserve’s biodiversity. Councillor Sarah Warren, cabinet member for sustainable Bath and North East Somerset, applauds the initiative, stating, “Collaborating with local communities is vital in tackling the ecological emergency. Thanks to the dedication of Friends and volunteers, this former grazing land is now blossoming into a nature reserve that deepens residents’ connection with their local environment.”
The plan was shaped through public consultation, where residents contributed ideas including guided nature walks, foraging sessions, and wildflower restoration projects. Implementation has already begun for the 2025/26 period, with volunteers investing over 500 hours this year on activities such as grass scything and wildlife monitoring.
Ecologist Rupert Higgins, who conducted surveys in 2024 and 2025, notes the significant progress: “After years of limited management, the impact of coordinated volunteer and council efforts is clear. These 16 acres are a valuable asset for regional biodiversity in Somerset.”
The Friends group has launched a fundraising campaign to raise £500 for essential wildlife monitoring tools, including a hazel dormouse tracking kit, a wildlife trail camera, and a pond dipping kit aimed at studying two newly created ponds. Community members are invited to join volunteer days held on the third Saturday of each month, record wildlife sightings via iNaturalist, or share local historical knowledge to enrich the project.
Through collective dedication, this initiative promises not only to restore a vital habitat but also to foster a stronger bond between people and nature in Charlcombe Valley.